Nepal's draft Animal Welfare Bill criticized for weak protections

Animal rights advocates in Nepal have voiced strong objections to the government's draft Animal Services and Animal Welfare Bill. They contend that the proposed legislation inadequately protects animal rights and welfare, instead placing undue emphasis on livestock production, trade, and administrative management. According to the activists, the bill's current framework prioritizes policies geared towards production over establishing animal welfare as the law's fundamental goal. This focus, they argue, undermines the core principles of animal protection. The advocates are actively urging the government to reconsider and revise the bill, emphasizing the need for legislation that genuinely makes animal welfare its central objective. They believe the current draft fails to meet the standards required for robust animal protection in the country.